Ric,
The room is atop my 24 X 36 garage. The west and east sides have two large windows each. the north side has one small window in the center of the wall. The south side has two windows along the wall. Actual inside dimensions are nearer 23 X 35 feet.
My work area is in the SE corner of the room. From the pictures’ perspective it is behind you to the right. A pellet stove is about centered along the east, to the right in the overall pics. That was the BIG problem I had forgotten when first designing the track plan. Sure looked good until the wife pointed that little feature out! hehehe
Once altered I started building the benchwork. About 2 days into that and I decided another change was needed. I had wanted a long yard as well as some elevation changes so I could incorporate one track going over the other. Doing that eliminated any chance of an aisle access into the layout center. I grew tired of ducking under the bench before I had finished building it!
Soooooooo, I redesigned to provide an aisle access. I lost my stacked tracks and the scenic spot I wanted and about half the yard length. But I am very happy I did so. Its just more user friendly this way.
The left (west) side runs along that wall for 28 feet. Remainder is for a planned bathroom. The north wall is 24 feet.
The peninsula is about 18 feet long or so extending diagonally to about the middle of the room. This was necessitated by the pellet stove and needed access to it. It could have been made longer but at the time I didn’t quite know what other space needs I had. Turns out there is more than ample storage space under the benchwoork. An extension of the peninsula is most likely and will be easy to do, as long as I don’t lose track of the pieces I cut off the corner!
A live steamup track is located on the inside of the peninsula. Yards are inside both loops. Both loops incorporate reverse loop capabilities. Storage tracks are located under the peninsula for additional rolling stock and motive power.
The overhead track was installed first. It sits on Rubbermaid wire shelving. It uses 8 ft. diam curves. I was able to run trains while I did the rest of the layout work.
I have multiple power options available which will be switchable to either layout. Standard DC power TE controlled, Lionel’s TMCC for three locos that have that AC based control system, TE controlled battery power and live steam.
All empty loco boxes and boxed stock and power are stored under the benchwork. Also extra track, scenery kits, a couple boxes of obligatory kit bash fodder/junk and painting equipment. Maintenance equipment for the layout is on a shelf underneath also. Power supplies and RXs too.
A computer and desk is across the room from the work area in the SW corner. A TV/DVD combo hangs from the ceiling near the work area. A small fridge, a glider rocker and foot stool and a couple other chairs are in the open area near the pellet stove.
I think that pretty much covers it. But if you have any questions fire away! Suggestions are welcome too. I wish I had had the input when doing the outdoor RR!
Andre’
